Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade (4.5 stars)

About Shattered Secrets
(from GoodReads)

After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant. 

She couldn't be more wrong.

The boy who saves her holds her heart.

But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.

Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.

Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.

But has she put her trust in the wrong place?

And will the world survive if she has?

Through July 31, 2014, you can enter to win a copy in a GoodReads giveaway. 

Review

Abigail Nichols thinks her biggest problem is trying to figure out Derick's reaction to their kiss, and why he's been avoiding her. Then, she's abducted by strangers with crazy stories and everything changes.

Everything she thought she knew, even about her parents, proves to be wrong as she discovers who she is and what role she will play. She and Derick end up on the run with only a book to help them figure things out. Lives hang in the balance while they decide who, or what, to trust.

So, wow! There are so many elements done well in this story. Memorable characters you can root for. Check. Keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action. Oh yeah! Interesting and creative paranormal abilities. Yep. An amazing world with intriguing complications for our own world. Nailed it.

Within the first few pages, I was entranced by the characters--as if I was in their world and they were manipulating even me. Plus, I love the conflict of finding out you have amazing abilities but not knowing who to turn to for guidance--even the most obvious choices, like friends and parents, are suspect. 

Oh, and I love that Derick is gifted but also confused about who to trust. Usually, the pattern is for the main character to be new to his/her abilities but falling for the experienced, knows-everything counterpart. I can only hope Derick and Abigail grow closer and end up trusting the same people--and the right people.

I highly recommend Shattered Secrets to readers who want a romantic couple to root for in the context of a captivating fantasy world plus characters with original (and intriguing) paranormal abilities. Book two can't get here soon enough! 

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author
(from Amazon Author Central)

Krystal Wade can be found in the sluglines outside Washington D.C. every morning, Monday through Friday. With coffee in hand, iPod plugged in, and strangers - who sometimes snore, smell, or have incredibly bad gas - sitting next to her, she zones out and thinks of fantastical worlds for you and me to read.

How else can she cope with a fifty mile commute?

Good thing she has her husband and three kids to go home to. They keep her sane.

Find out more about Krystal: website, Facebook, and Twitter.